Atomicon 2025 returns to the Los Alamos Mesa Public Library

The Los Alamos Public Library will host its fourth annual Comicon-style celebration, Atomicon 2025, on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Mesa Public Library and Fuller Lodge. The all-day event, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., brings together comics, costumes, crafts, games, and a wide range of activities for all ages.

“Every year, we play with the format and try to change up the line-up based on community feedback,” said Senior Librarian Eva Jacobson. “This year, this is particularly true for the adult and teen portion of the event, where we have cut back on lectures to create more opportunities for fun and interactive activities, including D&D one-shots and adult Lego competitions.”

Youth Librarian Melissa Mackey said the big addition to the youth floor activities this year will be drop-in HeroClix miniature game sessions, run by the American Gamers Academy. “Youth participants are going to be thrilled,” Mackey said. “The drop-in HeroClix games are a big new addition, and having the American Gamers Academy run them makes it even more exciting.” Representatives from the academy will also sell miniatures in the vendor hall at Fuller Lodge.

• Costume contest and parade: Contest entry runs from 9:30 to 10 a.m., with photos and light refreshments at the library entrance. Voting is open to all visitors and takes place 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and winners will be announced during the Costume Parade at 4 p.m. Categories include individual and group entries across youth and adult age groups.
• Adult and teen activities: A full slate of interactive programs includes spaces for tabletop games, “How Do I Comic?” workshop with Bram Meehan, a Kickstarter workshop by “Only Then Studios”, and multiple timed LEGO competitions and D&D one-shots throughout the day.
• Youth and family activities: HeroClix games, crafts in Cosplay Kingdom, face painting, scavenger hunts, caricature artists, and kid-friendly LEGO play areas will fill the lower floor. The Society for Creative Anachronism will demonstrate sword fighting outdoors.
• Sensory-friendly zone: A designated quiet area with self-led sensory activities will be available all day on the middle floor of the library.
• Vendor Hall at Fuller Lodge: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with local and regional artists, makers, and comic vendors. The vendor hall is hosted by the Los Alamos Arts Council.
• Step Up Gallery exhibit: Truth, Justice, and Freedom of Expression will showcase visual storytelling from fine arts to comics, on display now and through Sept. 11.

 

Atomicon is free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged throughout the event, whether participants are officially entering the costume contest or not. Visitors are invited to share photos with the hashtag #LAAtomicon25.